But manager Andre Villas-Boas, who worked with Moutinho whilst at Porto, remains keen to be reunited with the player and has now been boosted with news that he has requested a transfer.

It’s thought that Moutinho made the comments at a meeting with coach Vítor Pereira this week, in which the pass-master requested permission to be allowed to go if a suitable offer arrives.

Zenit Saint-Petersburg and several Italian clubs have also enquired about Moutinho in recent seasons, but Tottenham and linking up again with Villas-Boas is the clear priority.

Spurs will part finance the deal by clearing out their squad, with the likes of Heurelho Gomes, Bongani Khumalo, Danny Rose, David Bentley and John Bostock all to be put up for sale, while William Gallas is unlikely to have his contract renewed.